The taxonomic revision of Sobralia Ruiz & Pav. (Orchidaceae) in the Guyanas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana)

Przemysław Baranow
,
Dariusz Lucjan Szlachetko

Abstract

This paper presents a taxonomic revision of species of the genus Sobralia (Orchidaceae) in the Guyanas (Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana) based on an extensive study of herbarium material. Descriptions of their morphology, ecology and distribution are included and supported by illustrations of their habits and floral parts. A determination key is provided. Sobralia agnieszkae Baranow and Sobralia romeroana Baranow & Szlach.—two new species of the genus discovered among material collected in Guyana—are described. Including the newly described taxa, 14 species of the genus occur in the study area and, based on literature data, two further species (S. crocea (Poepp. & Endl.) Rchb.f. and S. fimbriata Poepp. & Endl.) are expected to be found there.